CHS's Tim McGlothlin is named 2001-02 Principal of Year for SW Washington

After less than five years on the job in White Salmon, Columbia High School principal Tim McGlothlin has been honored as "Principal of the Year" for the 2001-2002 school year.

The award came from the Washington Association of Secondary School Principals (WASSP), an Olympia-based organization. It was for a region that includes schools from the SW Washington 2A league.

McGlothlin received the award in Seattle recently during the annual principals' meeting. He was one of six winners across the state.

"I knew I'd been nominated, but didn't know I'd won until the state contacted me," McGlothlin said. "I had not been planning on going to the meeting. But they called to make sure I'd be there. It's always nice to be recognized."

McGlothlin was selected by other high school principals in the region, which includes schools from a region that stretches as far west as Forks (on the Olympic peninsula), and also includes schools in towns such as Elma, Hoquiam, Toledo, Castle Rock, Woodland, Ilwaco, and Montessano.

"What makes this award particularly special is that it is a recognition by peers of outstanding educational leadership," said Robert McMullen, director of high school programs for WASSP. "Tim's hard work and dedication to his school is noted and appreciated."

McGlothlin was modest about winning the award.

"I'm not one to toot my own horn," McGlothlin explained. "I just kind of stuck it on the wall."

However, he noted that the honor could potentially lead to tangible benefits for CHS.

"I think we are known for innovation," he explained. "When you start getting recognized, more things start happening. It could bring recognition within the state for being a progressive school. I think that could help us compete for grants and other possible monies for our school."

The award McGlothlin took home is a nice one: heavy marble in the shape of the state of Washington, with a small plaque inlaid in the stone.

McGlothlin took his 83-year-old mother -- Vera, who lives in Montessano -- to the awards event with him.

"She was going around telling everyone I was her baby," he laughed.

McGlothlin began serving as CHS principal in the 1997-1998 school year. He was CHS' assistant principal from 1992-1998.

He also serves on the Professional Educators Advisory Board for Central Washington University, a policy-making organization for principals within the state. Gov. Gary Locke's office approved McGlothlin's appointment to a four-year term to that board in March 2001.

It's a lot of work, but McGlothlin said he enjoys it.

"I'm just doing my job," McGlothlin said. "I like kids, and I like my school."